I recently wrote about how the Linux version of Xenonauts is no longer supported with the developer now saying it's only for 'legacy customers', I reached out to the developer for some answers and here's what they told me. Replies published with permission from the developer.
When asked about the status of it, the developer simply said this:
While frustrating, I can understand the situation. It's a problem when developers use external porters who don't do direct support (like Feral, Aspyr & VP), since they may not be familiar with the ported platform to continue the support once the agreed upon initial period ends.
I also asked about the various stores like Steam, GOG & Humble not mentioning that the Linux version is not currently supported, to which the developer replied:
Also, when asking if Xenonauts 2 was still coming to Linux:
With the developer now focusing on Xenonauts 2, which should come to Linux and using Unity hopefully we can avoid a situation like this in future. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
When asked about the status of it, the developer simply said this:
QuoteAll the previous natively ported and WINE wrapped versions of Xenonauts are still available for download, but the porter that did the native port only provided a limited period of support around the Humble Bundle release. The game probably still works fine but we can't guarantee it or provide support for new Linux issues that might arise in the future, so we don't recommend new users buy the game.
While frustrating, I can understand the situation. It's a problem when developers use external porters who don't do direct support (like Feral, Aspyr & VP), since they may not be familiar with the ported platform to continue the support once the agreed upon initial period ends.
I also asked about the various stores like Steam, GOG & Humble not mentioning that the Linux version is not currently supported, to which the developer replied:
QuoteHmmmm, you make a good point - I actually thought it was flagged on the other sites but apparently not. I think there's actually some limitations on removing it for sale on some platforms (i.e. we can't keep the old builds available on Linux but also remove it from the Linux store) but I'll look into it and see what I can do.
Also, when asking if Xenonauts 2 was still coming to Linux:
QuoteTo answer your previous question about X2, we're working with Unity this time around so porting it across should be a lot less of a pain in the ass. I would expect there to be a native Linux version at release (although I can't promise it at this stage).
With the developer now focusing on Xenonauts 2, which should come to Linux and using Unity hopefully we can avoid a situation like this in future. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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The comments on this article are closed.
llamajacker May 16, 2017
Thanks for the update, Liam!
It's an unfortunate situation, but it's much more understandable, given this information.
It's an unfortunate situation, but it's much more understandable, given this information.
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Kimyrielle May 16, 2017
At least that's a solid reason. They still seem to be at least open to support Linux in the future, which is good.
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the original xenonauts is awesome and hard, it runs better natively than in wine. but in wine you can install the community edition wich is a great addition to the game. so in my case, no harm done.
I can't wait for xenonauts 2.
I can't wait for xenonauts 2.
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I just hope they won't remove it from GOG, without asking users first if they prefer to keep it as is or not.
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Pretty decent of them to be so straightforward about this.
Hope they find a way to keep it available.
And hope people find ways to keep running it.
Hope they find a way to keep it available.
And hope people find ways to keep running it.
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I was thinking of picking this up since I liked XCOM: EU and XCOM 2, but I guess I'll just buy the classic X-Com games from GOG to run in OpenXcom instead.
Last edited by Dolus on 16 May 2017 at 7:55 pm UTC
Last edited by Dolus on 16 May 2017 at 7:55 pm UTC
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To be honest, I don't care _that_ much about official Linux support, not as much as I like to see a good developer being open and honest about their choices, difficulties, decision processes, etc.
They seem to have a pretty solid reason here, and while I would like the port to remain supported, I hope it will at least remain on "life support" (still being available, and occasionally receive a recompilation or a library update).
They seem to have a pretty solid reason here, and while I would like the port to remain supported, I hope it will at least remain on "life support" (still being available, and occasionally receive a recompilation or a library update).
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If they can not give support to customers in Linux, I think it's very fair telling the potential customers that they can't expect support for the game on their platform if they buy it.
And they spoke frankly, and didn't hide behind bullshit. That's a sound and good reason to do what they did, and I respect that.
And they spoke frankly, and didn't hide behind bullshit. That's a sound and good reason to do what they did, and I respect that.
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slaapliedje May 16, 2017
Quoting: STiATIf they can not give support to customers in Linux, I think it's very fair telling the potential customers that they can't expect support for the game on their platform if they buy it.
And they spoke frankly, and didn't hide behind bullshit. That's a sound and good reason to do what they did, and I respect that.
Ha, Yeah, at least they didn't say 'fuck you, that's why.' Pretty sure there have been some developers that have done that.
Hopefully part two will not be a case where they click a button in Unity and that's their 'support'. But it sounds like they plan on proper support.
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While I can understand their reasoning, I'm still not happy about it. Linux support was promised during their initial Kickstarter, so using the post-release-porter-excuse doesn't quite cut it. I get that this is how it ended up, but it never should have in the first place.
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